Chapter 151: An Artful Request Seraphina noticed their rumbling tummies and flashed a small smile. "Feel free to indulge in the food, and I’ve also made sure the pantry is well-stocked, so help yourselves to that as well."
Meanwhile, the butlers worked seamlessly, uncovering the dishes one by one with a flourish.
Towering platters of fluffy pancakes, crisp bacon, and golden scrambled eggs were unveiled, accompanied by a colorful array of fresh fruits, pastries, and assorted jams and condiments.
The breakfast spread was a sight to behold, a symphony of colors, textures, and flavors meticulously arranged.
As the carts of food continued to be revealed, a separate group of butlers made their way into the penthouse, each carrying numerous bags brimming with groceries.
The bags were filled with an assortment of fresh vegetables, fruits, pantry staples, and gourmet ingredients.
The butlers handled them with the utmost care, ensuring that nothing was overlooked.
The sight of these men in their polished attire, diligently and gracefully tending to the needs of the morning meal, was a spectacle in itself.
They moved with quiet efficiency, their expressions poised and attentive, a testament to their dedication to their craft.
The kitchen and dining area, which had been mostly empty just moments ago, was now transformed into a grand dining hall, a lavish display of culinary delights and the finest ingredients.
The room was filled with the clinking of silverware, the soft hum of freshly cooked food, and the fragrance of a breakfast feast fit for royalty.
Xin and his family couldn’t help but be awed by the grandeur of it all.
Evelyn struggled to find the right words to express her gratitude. "Lady Seraphina, this is . . . it’s just too much," she stammered.
Seraphina dismissed her concerns with a graceful wave of her hand and took a seat at the dining table. "Think of it as a gesture of charity for you and your family after what you’ve been through," she said.
Evelyn was at a loss for words as Seraphina began to eat, clearly signaling her unwillingness to discuss her act of kindness any further.
"Please, go ahead and eat," Seraphina encouraged them. "The food will get cold."
Evelyn could only offer her thanks before joining Seraphina at the table, followed by Xin and Xiaxia.
The breakfast proceeded in relative silence, though the delicious food ensured that Xin and his family cleared their plates.
Seraphina broached a different topic. "By the way," she began, dabbing her lips with a napkin, "have you seen your belongings in the other room?"
Xin and the others exchanged puzzled glances, and Evelyn asked, "Our belongings?"
Seraphina nodded. "Your possessions from the fire. They were delivered a few hours ago and are currently in another room."
Xiaxia’s eyes lit up. "They managed to save our things?"
Seraphina clarified, "Not everything, just what they could salvage."
Evelyn expressed her gratitude once more, saying, "It means a lot to us. My family and I didn’t know where to begin in thanking you and your father, Lady Seraphina."
Seraphina assured her, "It’s truly no trouble at all."
However, her departure loomed as she rose from her seat. "Unfortunately, I have classes this afternoon and need to prepare. I’ll see you all later?"
Xiaxia couldn’t contain her surprise. "Wait . . . you’re going to stay here tonight?"
Evelyn’s eyes widened, and she quickly intervened, chastising Xiaxia. "Xiaxia, remember, this is Lady Seraphina’s home."
Evelyn then offered an apologetic smile to Seraphina. "I’m sorry about her, Lady Seraphina."
Seraphina dismissed the apology with a wave of her hand. "No need to apologize. As I mentioned earlier, I rarely come here, but I do stay overnight from time to time, depending on my mood. So, if you’ll excuse me . . ."
"I’ll walk you to the door," Xin offered as he rose from his seat.
Before anyone could react, Seraphina and Xin were already heading toward the door.
Xiaxia, perplexed by Seraphina’s statement, blurted out after Seraphina had left, "What does she mean by ’depending on her mood’? If she’s happy, she goes home; if she’s sad, she stays in one of her many condos; and if she’s feeling adventurous, she buys a new house? Is that it?"
She forcefully crammed a large piece of bacon into her mouth to quell her envy. "Rich people. They really know how to slap their wealth on poor people."
Evelyn shot Xiaxia a disapproving look. "Don’t speak that way about her. You should be grateful that Lady Seraphina is kind to us."
Xiaxia rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. She can afford to be kind because she’s rich. Heck, if I had this kind of lifestyle and that much money, I’d donate to the church every day."
Evelyn simply shook her head and continued eating her breakfast.
Meanwhile, in the foyer, Xin and Seraphina stood facing each other.
Seraphina broke the silence, her tone curious. "So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?"
Xin scratched the back of his head and glanced up at the ceiling. "Was it that obvious?"
. Seraphina suppressed a laugh. "I find it hard to believe that you wanted to be with me, even for just a minute. I can feel that you’re uncomfortable in my presence. So, I’m curious why you offered to escort me out."
"Can’t it just be a way of saying thank you?" Xin replied.
Seraphina arched an eyebrow, and Xin took a deep breath before getting straight to the point.
"Would it be alright if I paint your portrait and display it in the upcoming auction a month from now?"
Seraphina was momentarily stunned, and Xin anticipated her reaction. He believed he needed her permission before proceeding with the idea, or he’d find himself in jail, or worse . . . thrown into the ocean by her and her family.
While Xin expected her to decline, he was taken aback when she inquired, "Is this related to the upcoming auction on the yacht during the school’s holiday event?"
Xin nodded.
Seraphina giggled, and Xin felt like the room had brightened even more.
"Why do you want to paint me?" she asked, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of her lips, her eyes half-lidded.
"Because a painting of you would undoubtedly fetch a high price," Xin answered frankly. "I need the money, and a portrait of you would surely attract a competitive bid, given your legion of fans."